[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by casualobserver

I found this study at the Ethan Allen website (thanks again scm)

You're welcome. Thanks for helping me see for the first time that the initials of my favored screen name also share initials with one of my tight muscles: the sternocleidomastoid.

Originally Posted by casualobserver

Unfortunately, this particular study revealed little to me in terms of what make the state so inhospitable to clean industry. You would think clean industry and that super-educated graduating workforce would yield some nice dividends.

Yes, I'm curious about this, too. I'm very much hoping that enticing clean industry to the state is part of Vermont's strategic plan.

[flu189]

Yes, the state sure is euphoric on spending and spending even more. The most amazing thing over the last decade I find is that as school enrollments decline the rate of teachers and staff continue to increase. My older son works in the system and basically says the problem is special interest driven and very similar to a compulsive shopper with a pocket full of credit cards. There is very little incentive at present to curtail and streamline because all demands for increased funding always get approved to some degree. The actual quality relative to the costs is subject to some debate as well.

[OhBeeHave]

Originally Posted by flu189

Yes, the state sure is euphoric on spending and spending even more. The most amazing thing over the last decade I find is that as school enrollments decline the rate of teachers and staff continue to increase. My older son works in the system and basically says the problem is special interest driven and very similar to a compulsive shopper with a pocket full of credit cards. There is very little incentive at present to curtail and streamline because all demands for increased funding always get approved to some degree. The actual quality relative to the costs is subject to some debate as well.

Act 60 (correct me if I am wrong) put VT on the same educational tax nightmare that NY has had for years. Hold onto your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy ride.

Special interests, unfunded mandates from NCLB and those that are passed down by the state are going to send the budgets spinning out of control. People will bang the drums saying PASS THE BUDGET -- IT's FOR THE KIDS! Please be very careful. It starts with nickles and dimes and graduates to hundreds and thousands.

[MRVphotog]

All school budgets are discussed and then passed at each communities town meeting in March. Some towns reject their school budgets many times over until the budget is lowered. Go to your town meeting.....vote!

[OhBeeHave]

Originally Posted by MRVphotog

All school budgets are discussed and then passed at each communities town meeting in March. Some towns reject their school budgets many times over until the budget is lowered. Go to your town meeting.....vote!

I'm not a resident yet...I can't vote in VT. So my wallet's wide open for my northerly neighbors... (Believe me: my voice has been heard here on LI.)

When I finally have settled and changed my residency, I plan on becoming active within the community. First I have to learn the proper decorum so as not to offend my neighbors and learn what it means to be a VTer. I want to assimilate.

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by OhBeeHave

I want to assimilate.

You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.

[OhBeeHave]

Originally Posted by Sherylcatmom

You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.

Is this a little Borg thing I sense?
Or a touch Volgon?

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by OhBeeHave

Is this a little Borg thing I sense?
Or a touch Volgon?

Most efficient. You have recognized my heritage. I shall now recite poetry that will imbue you with the essence of Vogonity. :-)

[OhBeeHave]

Originally Posted by Sherylcatmom

Most efficient. You have recognized my heritage. I shall now recite poetry that will imbue you with the essence of Vogonity. :-)

You're gonna have to strap me down first!

[68vette]

Originally Posted by OhBeeHave

Act 60 (correct me if I am wrong) put VT on the same educational tax nightmare that NY has had for years. Hold onto your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy ride.

Special interests, unfunded mandates from NCLB and those that are passed down by the state are going to send the budgets spinning out of control. People will bang the drums saying PASS THE BUDGET -- IT's FOR THE KIDS! Please be very careful. It starts with nickles and dimes and graduates to hundreds and thousands.

We are at that point already. "Pass the budget" is what we have been hearing for the last few years now. One of the main reasons why our taxes are out of control. I work in health care and I only wished my benefits were as good. I'm not saying I need better benefits, but make it fair. Due to the union teaching jobs are hard to eliminate despite the decrease in the number of students statewide.